Barcelona tried to sign Monaco full-back Fabinho last summer but the Brazilian would prefer a move to the Premier League in England, confirmed his father.

The 23-year-old – who once had a loan spell at Real Madrid – has become one of the most sought-after right-backs in European football and has been linked to a number of clubs across England and Spain.

"We have talked to Manchester City, Manchester United, Arsenal ... We have even been approached by Barcelona, but it didn't go any further,” Joao told Telefoot.

"We like Manchester United and the work of Mourinho, but we have a little soft spot for City.”

Catalan newspaper El Mundo Deportivo has listed the Brazilian as one of a number of potential targets for Barca as an emergency signing following on from Aleix Vidal’s season-ending injury sustained against Alaves on Saturday.

Fabinho began his career at Portuguese club Rio Ave before loan spells at Madrid and Monaco, but made his move permanent to the Ligue 1 club in 2015.